California has an upcoming Statewide Special Election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Below is important information to help prepare voters on California college and university campuses to participate in the election.
There are two measures on Santa Clara County ballots, Measure A and Prop 50.
Information courtesy of California and County voting websites, KQED and EVC's History Department
What is Measure A (Santa Clara County)

Measure A would raise the county sales tax by 0.625% for five years. County officials estimate the tax will raise $330 million annually, to partially offset projected annual losses from recent federal cuts that will reach over $1 billion by 2029–30. Because it is a general tax, the funds can be used for any county purpose.

Yes Argument (from KQED)

Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP food assistance programs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, approved by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans, dealt a devastating blow to Santa Clara County. Medicaid is the single largest revenue source for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, and one in four county residents relies on the program. Measure A is a lifeline that will keep county hospitals open in the face of these draconian cuts.

No Argument (from KQED)

Measure A is a general tax, so there is no guarantee that new revenue will fund health care and hospitals. A sales tax is also a regressive form of taxation, hitting low-income residents hardest. Before asking for a tax increase, the county should first reevaluate whether it is sustainable to operate four public hospitals in a time of shrinking federal funding.

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What is Proposition 50?
Put on the Ballot by the Legislature
Proposition 50 (Prop 50) seeks to replace California’s current congressional district maps with new legislatively drawn maps. If Prop 50 passes, the state would use Prop 50’s maps for congressional elections starting in 2026. The state would use these congressional maps until the California Citizens Redistricting Commission (Commission) draws new congressional maps, following the 2030 U.S. Census.
What Does a YES vote on Prop 50 mean?
A YES vote on this measure means: The state would use new legislatively drawn congressional district maps starting in 2026. California’s new congressional maps would be used until the Commission draws new maps following the 2030 U.S. Census.
What Does a NO vote on Prop 50 mean?
A NO vote on this measure means: Current congressional district maps drawn by the Commission would continue to be used in California until the Commission draws new maps following the 2030 U.S. Census.
Important Dates and Deadlines
 
For more information on the November 4, 2025, Statewide Special Election, please visit vote.ca.gov or view the state voter information guide.
Make a plan to vote, stay informed, and share this important information with friends and classmates!